December 9, 2022 —.jpg)
If you are like many Admiral at the Lake residents, you might have been living alone for a while before moving into a continuing care community. Over time, you became convinced that this was the best option for you and now…here you are. It’s like the first day of school all over again.
Thinking about downsizing? Here are some tips!
Don’t worry; we understand how you feel. We also felt overwhelmed by all of the changes and wished we could go back to the way things were. But, once we gave it a chance, we decided that it isn’t so bad after all.
There are lots of other people here who can relate to your experience. Getting settled in and making new friends won’t happen overnight, but it will happen. You’ll see.
How to Make New Friends
Here are a few hints, based on our own experiences, that may help you get to know your new neighbors.
1. Smile – Everyone loves a smiling face. It may feel forced at first, but a bright smile will go a long way as you meet the staff members and are introduced to a few Admiral residents. You’ll never have a second chance to make a first impression.
2. Say yes – Many Admiral residents have reported that, although it was not their usual practice, they made a point to accept any invitation they received in their early days in the community. Keep in mind that even if the person who is extending the invitation may not be a good fit for you, the event or activity will be attended by many others.
3. Be proactive – Once you have made a few connections, invite a few people over for coffee or even a dinner party. The invitation itself will be appreciated, and having several people there at the same time will help you get to know all of them without having to do all of the talking.
4. Go slow at first – Don’t put all of your cards on the table right away. While you may be living in the same community, it will take some time before you can establish trust. Stay cautious until you feel the time is right.
5. Give it time – There will be days that reveal the light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps it will be an enjoyable conversation about a shared experience that makes you feel that you have found someone that you can really connect with—someone who understands you. Give it some time. It will happen.
6. Explore the neighborhood – The Admiral at the Lake is a prime location. You can easily walk to any number of destinations. Take a yoga class, walk your dog, go shopping, pick up some pastries from the bakery, or just walk down the path beside Lake Michigan. When you visit a place often enough, you are sure to start making friends with other frequent fliers.
7. Maintain old connections – As you move forward, it’s a good idea to stay in touch with friends from the old neighborhood. Lifelong friendships are special. Be sure to include old friends, colleagues, and neighbors in your growing social network.
The Admiral at the Lake Welcoming Committee
The welcoming committee at The Admiral at the Lake will help you get adjusted to your new surroundings and tell you about the various activities and events in the community as you get to know fellow Admiral residents.
A continuing care community, we are dedicated to supporting and promoting the personal independence, health and wellness of community members. We don’t consider The Admiral at the Lake a retirement community or senior living, because our resident-guided lifestyle defies the stereotypes of aging. Call 773.433.1801 or click today to get your free information kit.